Safety
The rules that apply in every lab, every day - what to wear, what to check, who has to be present, and what to do when something goes wrong.
Before anything else
Working safely may get old but so do those who practice it
One question, before every machine
Every piece of equipment in the lab is Category 1, 2 or 3, and the category answers one thing: who has to be standing there before you switch it on?
Permission may be given in advance. Work alone once you have it.
The full rules, and what each category requires of everyone present, are on Equipment Categories and Supervision. Which machine is in which category is per lab.
If something goes wrong
Injury or fire
Call 911
Murray State University Police
270-809-2222
Every incident, injury or near-miss
Tell the instructor
Electrical shock is the one case where the first action is different — do not touch the person. See Electrical Safety.
Universal Rules
Chemicals and Safety Data Sheets
Every chemical and liquid in the shop has a Safety Data Sheet. Read it before you use the material, not after.
Electrical Safety
Why 50 V is a workplace control threshold, why 5 V can still burn you, the inspection required before every use, cords on the floor, and what to do when someone is shocked.
Equipment Operating Procedure
The procedure that applies to every piece of equipment in every lab, every time you use it.
Fire Safety
When to fight a fire and when to leave, and how to use an extinguisher.
Lab Conduct and Emergencies
What is never acceptable in a lab, what alertness actually requires, and what to do when something goes wrong.
Lifting and Carrying
Team lifting above 40 lbs, and the technique that keeps you in control of the load. What usually defeats a lift is the size of the thing, not its weight.
Machine Hazards and Housekeeping
The two ways a machine injures you - it catches hold and pulls you in, or it closes on you - plus the environment around it and the habits that keep both off you.
Personal Protective Equipment
What you wear, and when. Eye protection is mandatory in the lab spaces at all times; the rest depends on the task.
Equipment
Equipment Categories and Supervision
Every machine in every lab falls into one of three categories. The category tells you who has to be standing there before you switch it on.
Axiom CNC Router
Match the VCarve job to the router setup, secure every cut piece, and check the first movement against the preview.
Band Saw
Support the work, keep the exposed blade short and feed without twisting or pinching the band.
Drill Press
Clamp wood or metal securely, remove the chuck key and keep clear of the rotating bit, work and chips.
Jointer
Use push blocks, suitable stock and shallow cuts to keep hands clear of the cutterhead while establishing a flat face or straight edge.
Manual Lathe
Check workholding and material support before starting; keep clear of the rotating work and stop for hazardous chip strings.
Metal Chips and Swarf
Chips come off hot, razor sharp and fast. How to handle them, how to clean them up, and the rules on compressed air.
Metals Lab Equipment
Equipment categories for the Metals lab.
Miter Saw
Support the board against the fence, keep clear of the full blade path and use the cutting motion taught for the installed saw.
OMAX Waterjet
The lab's CAD-to-cut sequence: prepare the path, verify material settings, follow the setup prompts and dry-run before cutting.
Prusa 3D Printers
Obtain project approval, match the sliced file to the printer and filament, and physically check the machine before setting it ready.
Rapid Prototyping Center Equipment
Equipment categories for the Rapid Prototyping Center.
Table Saw
Guide the work, keep hands out of the blade path and prevent material from binding between the blade and fence.
Vertical Mill
Check workholding, cutter clearance and cutting settings; recognize the different categories for manual and CNC mills.
Woods / Construction Lab Equipment
Equipment categories for the Woods / Construction lab.